TOP NEWS STORY OF 2014: Freight rail service to shut down

SYDNEY — In another shocker for Cape Breton, Genesee and Wyoming Canada Inc. president Mario Brault acknowledged publicly for the first time on June 11 his company’s intention to shut down its freight rail service between St. Peter’s Junction and Sydney by the end of the year.

Brault said the move is necessary because the rail line is not profitable. His company has only owned the line for 18 months, but traffic on the line has continued a downward trend that’s been happening for more than a decade.

“This rail line is not profitable,” Brault told the Cape Breton Post from his Montreal office.

“We can only observe that the business has been depleting over the years and now the level of traffic is one-third of what it was 11 years ago when abandonment was (first) granted.”

Backin 2005, the provincial Tory government came through with an annual $2-million subsidy to support railway owner Rail America as long as it provided proof of operating losses.

Over the last nine years, the province has provided the money-losing rail line with $20.6 million in funding.

That subsidy was renewed in 2011 by the NDP government.

Brault’s company, which bought the line from Rail America in 2012, doesn’t want another “handout” from government, he said.

“The current infrastructure on this portion of the line is getting older and older like everyone of us, and it will require more and more maintenance in the future.

“All that being said, we see only the need for subsidy increasing significantly and substantially over the next few years. We don’t feel that would be fair to ask for more money from the government for a line that does not stand on its own feet from a commercial standpoint.”

Local businessman Sean Burke will be directly impacted by the railroad company’s decision.

Burke, vice-president and general manager of Polysteel Atlantic Ltd., expressed surprise when told Genesee and Wyoming wasn’t interested in continuing the subsidy or having the amount increased.

Nova Scotia Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan said the province isn’t in the position to offer a “large-scale subsidy” to Genesee and Wyoming.

He said the current annaul subsidy of $2 million, as well as capital upgrades, remain on the table for discussion.

The province has no intention of taking over ownership of the rail line, he added.

To illustrate the bleak picture, MacLellan, the MLA for Glace Bay, said the rail line currently sees 500 freight cars a year but needs about 10,000 cars just so the company can break even.

After the provincial subsidy expired on Sept. 30, the short-line railway moved ahead with its plan to file a discontinuance application with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

On Dec. 8-9, a UARB hearing was held to decide how much notice the railway had to give customers before halting service. A decision is expected early in the new year.

Here are the other stories that warranted consideration as the top story of the year:

Community protests closure of DVA office in Sydney – Jan. 31:

Almost 1,500 people showed their solidarity with veterans protesting the closing down of Sydney's Veterans Affairs office by taking part in an emotional noontime rally on Jan. 31.

The demonstration, which attracted veterans and their supporters, municipal councillors and members of the public, took place in front of the office, only hours before the doors closed for good.

Sydney's office was one of eight regional offices across the country that was closed by the Conservative government.

It was just the beginning of a fight against the government on a number of issues affecting veterans. Many have vowed to campaign against the Conservatives during the 2015 federal election.

Ottawa scraps ECBC – March 19:

The federal government announced on March 19 it would fold Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. into the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The Crown corporation looked after economic development in Cape Breton and Mulgrave for the past 27 years.

ACOA Minister Rob Moore was in Sydney to give details of the federal government's plan to scrap ECBC and expand ACOA's presence in this area.

If the legislation passes, the economic and community development activities of ECBC, as well as its budget, will be taken over by ACOA. No employees lost their jobs.

Moore also said the government will maintain the level of economic development funding delivered through ECBC. Other ECBC activities, such as property holdings, environmental remediation of former mine sites and human resources obligations of the former Cape Breton Development Corp., will be transferred to Public Works and Government Services Canada.

"Simply said, it will be business as usual," said Moore.

Springing back to winter — again — April 1:

It was no joke — the worst storm in a year fraught with bad weather left thousands of Cape Bretoners in the dark for yet another day.

Cape Bretoners could be forgiven if they felt it was an April Fool's Day prank. A combination of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow continued to assault the island for a third day, thanks to a slow-moving storm.

Thousands were left without power, and many hundreds had no electricity for nearly a week. The damage was caused by high winds and the endless onslaught of freezing rain.

Warming stations were set up at the Louisbourg fire hall, providing residents with a place to get hot water, a quick slice of pizza and a chance to find out what was going on during the power outage.

Sydney resembled a ghost town as many businesses and offices closed for the day.

It turned out to be the last blast of wintery weather for the season — and the worst.

End of an ‘ugly week’ as CBRM budgets approved – May 20-21:

Mayor Cecil Clarke predicted it would be an "ugly week." He was right.

On May 21, slight alterations were made to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's $142.7-million operating and $37-million capital budgets, but major cuts to 29 municipal staff positions, nine school crossing guards, and 200 hours a week from the transit service remained intact.

The mayor and all 12 councillors voted in favour of both budgets.

Implementation of those service cuts began in October. The complexity of cutting or shortening routes in the transit service meant changes won’t be seen until early 2015.

Beating of homeless man Shawn Kurtis Jack – July 14:

Two blue tarps cover a picnic table and fire pit, while a few feet away a frying pan, cooking utensils and a bag of dog food were scattered on the ground.

That was all that remained of the homemade shelter following the brutal attack on 48-year-old Kurtis Shawn Jack, a homeless man who lived with his dog in the woods behind the Atlantic Superstore in North Sydney.

There was outrage and deep despair in the local community after Jack, who is still in hospital in Halifax with head and other injuries, was brutally assaulted early on July 14.

Six people were charged with the attack on Jack, with the most serious charge of attempted murder laid against 22-year-old North Sydney resident Cory Patrick Richard Blinkhorn. All of the accused are at various stages of working their way through the court system.

Artistic legends pass on:

A trio of living legends died in 2014. Their names are instantly recognizable in the worlds of literature and folk music.

Alistair MacLeod, often described as the “soul of Cape Breton writing,” died on April 20 at age 77.

In 1999, MacLeod's first novel, "No Great Mischief," was published to great critical acclaim and won the 2001 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, then worth $172,000. It was on national bestseller lists for more than a year and won a number of other honours.

Less than three weeks later, another literary great died.

Farley Mowat, considered a Canadian literary icon and one of Cape Breton’s most famous summer residents, died at age 92 on May 7.

He began writing upon his return from serving in the Second World War, and authored more than 40 books, including "Never Cry Wolf," "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float," "Lost in the Barrens," "My Father's Son," and his more recent memoirs "Otherwise" and "Eastern Passage."

In 2009, Mowat and his wife Claire were inducted into the Nova Scotia Nature Trust's Legacy Circle following their conservation gift of nearly 300 acres of Cape Breton coastal lands, affectionately known as "Farley's Ark."

And on Aug. 20, Cape Breton’s master of the fiddle, Buddy MacMaster, died at age 89.

Even with a full-time job with the Canadian National Railway, MacMaster was also a full-time fiddler, regularly performing across the island at dances, benefits, and parish and community events, often several nights a week.

MacMaster was in his 60s before he made his first recording, but that didn't hinder him from becoming a worldwide ambassador for Cape Breton's unique culture and music, amassing honours including an Order of Canada induction, a lifetime achievement award from Folk Alliance International and honorary degrees.

Rock this way – Sept. 12:

Aerosmith fans no longer had to "Dream On." After months of anticipation, the legendary rock band performed on Sept. 12 at Open Hearth Park in Sydney.

More than 15,000 people flocked to the park, the remediated land of the former tar ponds site, for the outdoor concert featuring not only Aerosmith, but also iconic guitarist Slash, who performed with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

The show's lineup was announced in April and with months of anticipation finally over, the gates finally opened at 2 p.m. when fans rushed to claim a spot with a good view of the massive stage backed by a giant screen that gave even those well back on the grounds a good view of the performers.

Man found guilty in ‘murder for lobster’ case – Nov. 29:

It took more than 10 hours of deliberations over two days for a jury of seven women and five men to find Joseph James Landry guilty of manslaughter on Nov. 29.

Landry, 67, was found not guilty of second-degree murder. Instead, the jury convicted him of manslaughter.

It's alleged that the lobster fishing vessel the Twin Maggies engaged in an on-water altercation with Boudreau on the morning of June 1, 2013, suspecting he was tampering with their traps.

The Crown argued that Landry shot at Boudreau's speedboat four times, issued directions to boat captain Dwayne Samson as he ran over Boudreau's boat, hooked him with a gaff to tow him out to sea and that he helped weigh his body down with an anchor.

The court heard there was a long-standing fight between Landry and Boudreau, who was accused of poaching lobster, tampering with gear and taunting Landry about it.

Boudreau’s body has not been recovered.

Landry’s sentencing hearing has been set for Jan. 29.

There are three other people charged in the crime, and they are all awaiting trial.

St. Mary’s Polish Church destroyed in spectacular blaze – Nov. 29:

The historic St. Mary's Polish Parish in Whitney Pier was destroyed in a spectacular fire on Nov. 29.

The fire broke out shortly after the noon hour.

Parishioners cried as flames broke through the roof.

Just after 2 p.m., the walls gave way and the steeple crashed to the street below.

The St. Mary's fire sent off so much radiant heat, firefighters had to prepare for collateral damage in the neighbourhood, including nearby homes and the Royal Canadian Legion branch across the street.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

It’s believed the fire was accidental, the result of recent renovations to the church. The congregation is already making plans to rebuild.

Brault said the move is necessary because the rail line is not profitable. His company has only owned the line for 18 months, but traffic on the line has continued a downward trend that’s been happening for more than a decade.

“This rail line is not profitable,” Brault told the Cape Breton Post from his Montreal office.

“We can only observe that the business has been depleting over the years and now the level of traffic is one-third of what it was 11 years ago when abandonment was (first) granted.”

Backin 2005, the provincial Tory government came through with an annual $2-million subsidy to support railway owner Rail America as long as it provided proof of operating losses.

Over the last nine years, the province has provided the money-losing rail line with $20.6 million in funding.

That subsidy was renewed in 2011 by the NDP government.

Brault’s company, which bought the line from Rail America in 2012, doesn’t want another “handout” from government, he said.

“The current infrastructure on this portion of the line is getting older and older like everyone of us, and it will require more and more maintenance in the future.

“All that being said, we see only the need for subsidy increasing significantly and substantially over the next few years. We don’t feel that would be fair to ask for more money from the government for a line that does not stand on its own feet from a commercial standpoint.”

Local businessman Sean Burke will be directly impacted by the railroad company’s decision.

Burke, vice-president and general manager of Polysteel Atlantic Ltd., expressed surprise when told Genesee and Wyoming wasn’t interested in continuing the subsidy or having the amount increased.

Nova Scotia Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan said the province isn’t in the position to offer a “large-scale subsidy” to Genesee and Wyoming.

He said the current annaul subsidy of $2 million, as well as capital upgrades, remain on the table for discussion.

The province has no intention of taking over ownership of the rail line, he added.

To illustrate the bleak picture, MacLellan, the MLA for Glace Bay, said the rail line currently sees 500 freight cars a year but needs about 10,000 cars just so the company can break even.

After the provincial subsidy expired on Sept. 30, the short-line railway moved ahead with its plan to file a discontinuance application with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

On Dec. 8-9, a UARB hearing was held to decide how much notice the railway had to give customers before halting service. A decision is expected early in the new year.

Here are the other stories that warranted consideration as the top story of the year:

Community protests closure of DVA office in Sydney – Jan. 31:

Almost 1,500 people showed their solidarity with veterans protesting the closing down of Sydney's Veterans Affairs office by taking part in an emotional noontime rally on Jan. 31.

The demonstration, which attracted veterans and their supporters, municipal councillors and members of the public, took place in front of the office, only hours before the doors closed for good.

Sydney's office was one of eight regional offices across the country that was closed by the Conservative government.

It was just the beginning of a fight against the government on a number of issues affecting veterans. Many have vowed to campaign against the Conservatives during the 2015 federal election.

Ottawa scraps ECBC – March 19:

The federal government announced on March 19 it would fold Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. into the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The Crown corporation looked after economic development in Cape Breton and Mulgrave for the past 27 years.

ACOA Minister Rob Moore was in Sydney to give details of the federal government's plan to scrap ECBC and expand ACOA's presence in this area.

If the legislation passes, the economic and community development activities of ECBC, as well as its budget, will be taken over by ACOA. No employees lost their jobs.

Moore also said the government will maintain the level of economic development funding delivered through ECBC. Other ECBC activities, such as property holdings, environmental remediation of former mine sites and human resources obligations of the former Cape Breton Development Corp., will be transferred to Public Works and Government Services Canada.

"Simply said, it will be business as usual," said Moore.

Springing back to winter — again — April 1:

It was no joke — the worst storm in a year fraught with bad weather left thousands of Cape Bretoners in the dark for yet another day.

Cape Bretoners could be forgiven if they felt it was an April Fool's Day prank. A combination of freezing rain, ice pellets and snow continued to assault the island for a third day, thanks to a slow-moving storm.

Thousands were left without power, and many hundreds had no electricity for nearly a week. The damage was caused by high winds and the endless onslaught of freezing rain.

Warming stations were set up at the Louisbourg fire hall, providing residents with a place to get hot water, a quick slice of pizza and a chance to find out what was going on during the power outage.

Sydney resembled a ghost town as many businesses and offices closed for the day.

It turned out to be the last blast of wintery weather for the season — and the worst.

End of an ‘ugly week’ as CBRM budgets approved – May 20-21:

Mayor Cecil Clarke predicted it would be an "ugly week." He was right.

On May 21, slight alterations were made to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality's $142.7-million operating and $37-million capital budgets, but major cuts to 29 municipal staff positions, nine school crossing guards, and 200 hours a week from the transit service remained intact.

The mayor and all 12 councillors voted in favour of both budgets.

Implementation of those service cuts began in October. The complexity of cutting or shortening routes in the transit service meant changes won’t be seen until early 2015.

Beating of homeless man Shawn Kurtis Jack – July 14:

Two blue tarps cover a picnic table and fire pit, while a few feet away a frying pan, cooking utensils and a bag of dog food were scattered on the ground.

That was all that remained of the homemade shelter following the brutal attack on 48-year-old Kurtis Shawn Jack, a homeless man who lived with his dog in the woods behind the Atlantic Superstore in North Sydney.

There was outrage and deep despair in the local community after Jack, who is still in hospital in Halifax with head and other injuries, was brutally assaulted early on July 14.

Six people were charged with the attack on Jack, with the most serious charge of attempted murder laid against 22-year-old North Sydney resident Cory Patrick Richard Blinkhorn. All of the accused are at various stages of working their way through the court system.

Artistic legends pass on:

A trio of living legends died in 2014. Their names are instantly recognizable in the worlds of literature and folk music.

Alistair MacLeod, often described as the “soul of Cape Breton writing,” died on April 20 at age 77.

In 1999, MacLeod's first novel, "No Great Mischief," was published to great critical acclaim and won the 2001 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, then worth $172,000. It was on national bestseller lists for more than a year and won a number of other honours.

Less than three weeks later, another literary great died.

Farley Mowat, considered a Canadian literary icon and one of Cape Breton’s most famous summer residents, died at age 92 on May 7.

He began writing upon his return from serving in the Second World War, and authored more than 40 books, including "Never Cry Wolf," "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float," "Lost in the Barrens," "My Father's Son," and his more recent memoirs "Otherwise" and "Eastern Passage."

In 2009, Mowat and his wife Claire were inducted into the Nova Scotia Nature Trust's Legacy Circle following their conservation gift of nearly 300 acres of Cape Breton coastal lands, affectionately known as "Farley's Ark."

And on Aug. 20, Cape Breton’s master of the fiddle, Buddy MacMaster, died at age 89.

Even with a full-time job with the Canadian National Railway, MacMaster was also a full-time fiddler, regularly performing across the island at dances, benefits, and parish and community events, often several nights a week.

MacMaster was in his 60s before he made his first recording, but that didn't hinder him from becoming a worldwide ambassador for Cape Breton's unique culture and music, amassing honours including an Order of Canada induction, a lifetime achievement award from Folk Alliance International and honorary degrees.

Rock this way – Sept. 12:

Aerosmith fans no longer had to "Dream On." After months of anticipation, the legendary rock band performed on Sept. 12 at Open Hearth Park in Sydney.

More than 15,000 people flocked to the park, the remediated land of the former tar ponds site, for the outdoor concert featuring not only Aerosmith, but also iconic guitarist Slash, who performed with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

The show's lineup was announced in April and with months of anticipation finally over, the gates finally opened at 2 p.m. when fans rushed to claim a spot with a good view of the massive stage backed by a giant screen that gave even those well back on the grounds a good view of the performers.

Man found guilty in ‘murder for lobster’ case – Nov. 29:

It took more than 10 hours of deliberations over two days for a jury of seven women and five men to find Joseph James Landry guilty of manslaughter on Nov. 29.

Landry, 67, was found not guilty of second-degree murder. Instead, the jury convicted him of manslaughter.

It's alleged that the lobster fishing vessel the Twin Maggies engaged in an on-water altercation with Boudreau on the morning of June 1, 2013, suspecting he was tampering with their traps.

The Crown argued that Landry shot at Boudreau's speedboat four times, issued directions to boat captain Dwayne Samson as he ran over Boudreau's boat, hooked him with a gaff to tow him out to sea and that he helped weigh his body down with an anchor.

The court heard there was a long-standing fight between Landry and Boudreau, who was accused of poaching lobster, tampering with gear and taunting Landry about it.

Boudreau’s body has not been recovered.

Landry’s sentencing hearing has been set for Jan. 29.

There are three other people charged in the crime, and they are all awaiting trial.

St. Mary’s Polish Church destroyed in spectacular blaze – Nov. 29:

The historic St. Mary's Polish Parish in Whitney Pier was destroyed in a spectacular fire on Nov. 29.

The fire broke out shortly after the noon hour.

Parishioners cried as flames broke through the roof.

Just after 2 p.m., the walls gave way and the steeple crashed to the street below.

The St. Mary's fire sent off so much radiant heat, firefighters had to prepare for collateral damage in the neighbourhood, including nearby homes and the Royal Canadian Legion branch across the street.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

It’s believed the fire was accidental, the result of recent renovations to the church. The congregation is already making plans to rebuild.